GOV’T SECURES LANDMARK VICTORY AGAINST POGO-BACKED SCAM HUB; FORFEITS ASSETS .

CLARK FREEPORT, PAMPANGA - On April 24, 2025, the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) ruled in favor of the government to seize approximately ₱189 million in various currencies, confiscated during a joint law enforcement raid on May 4, 2023.

The operation targeted the "Colorful and Leap Group Co.," a subsidiary of CGC Technologies Inc., operating at the Clark Sun Valley Hub in Mabalacat, Pampanga. This forfeiture emerged from a successful prosecution led by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), with support from various intergovernmental and law enforcement bodies. The raid uncovered human trafficking and cyber-fraud schemes disguised as offshore gambling ventures.

CASE BACKGROUND: The coordinated operation involved multiple agencies, including the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the Department of Justice's Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, all under the oversight of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

The raid was meticulously planned to address suspected violations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 10364) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175). Six search warrants and a warrant for the seizure and analysis of computer data were obtained from RTC Branch 81 in Malolos City. The operation led to the rescue of 1,137 foreign nationals and 129 Filipinos, many of whom were reportedly trafficked and forced to run online scams, exposing the scale of cybercrime activities masquerading as legitimate offshore gaming operations.

Approximately ₱189.6 million in cash from various vaults, containing multiple foreign currencies, was recovered during the raid. LEGAL DEFENSES: Respondents in the civil case vehemently denied ownership of the confiscated funds, contending there was no evidence linking the money to illegal activities and questioned the court's jurisdiction. However, the court dismissed these arguments and ordered the assets to be forfeited to the government. Notification of this decision was sent to the Jail Warden of Angeles City District Jail for the detained individuals, including: HONG LI JI, a.k.a "JASON"/"BIG BOSS"; HE FENG, a.k.a. "AJUN"; TAN YONG, a.k.a. "DOLLY"/"BETA"; ZHANG SUO HUA, a.k.a. "HAO YUN"; IFANDI, a.k.a. "ACE"; FENDY, a.k.a. "RYU"/"LEON"; ZHAO JIANG MING, a.k.a. "SHUKE"; and LEE SWEE WAH, a.k.a. "KEN". REGULATORY ACTION BY THE CLARK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC): In light of the raid and ensuing investigations, the CDC has mandated the immediate cessation of all business operations across eight buildings (Buildings A to F and Buildings 1 and 2) and one warehouse within the SUN VALLEY HUB. This includes a formal Notice to Cease and Desist Operations as well as the suspension of Certificates of Registration and Tax Exemption for the implicated entities.

Agnes Devanadera, President and CEO of the Clark Development Corporation, stated that these measures demonstrate CDC's consistent commitment to enforcing the law and maintaining the integrity of the Freeport. She emphasized that the Clark Freeport Zone will not serve as a refuge for illegal activities or regulatory breaches, reaffirming the corporation's dedication to preserving public trust.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS MATTER: These recent developments send a clear message that the government will not allow its territories to become breeding grounds for organized crime. PAOCC Undersecretary Gilberto Cruz remarked, "We will continue to carry out decisive law enforcement actions and pursue a robust legal strategy to dismantle transnational crime groups operating within the nation." He noted that the initiation of integrated operations, along with the forfeiture proceedings, highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration and reinforces President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s determination to address illegal POGOs and their related criminal activities effectively. Cruz pointed out that these actions also contribute to the Philippines' removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, showcasing ongoing improvements in anti-money laundering efforts and the financial system. Furthermore, he mentioned that the former POGO facilities, now under CDC custody and valued at a billion, could be repurposed to recover potential legitimate government earnings and support future economic initiatives. #PAOCC #NewPhilippines #PresidentialAntiOrganizedCrimeCommission #AntiMoneyLaundering #ClarkFreeport #CybercrimePH #HumanTraffickingPH